Harvey Takes the Lead

The delightful intergenerational Harvey stories continue in the third book in Collen Nelson’s beloved series, Harvey Takes the Lead with illustrations by Tara Anderson.

Maggie, Austin and Harvey are all back, heading to Brayside as much as they can but this time they face a new obstacle, Ms Appleby, Brayside’s new director. She doesn’t seem to like dogs too much, or children, or seniors for that matter and starts implementing so many new rules. At the same time, Maggie is auditioning for the school play, Austin is worried about money to fund a school field trip and Mr. K’s wife is in the hospital with pneumonia. 

Colleen Nelson pours so much heart onto the pages of her Harvey stories and none more than in Harvey Takes the Lead. At a time when many seniors living facilities have been locked down and seniors have been allowed very few visitors, it’s a bright light to remind grandchildren about the importance of connections with grandparents and elders. There is tremendous love and respect not just for seniors but those who care for them as well and I love seeing how important the Brayside community is to Maggie and Austin. 

Once again, Colleen Nelson breaks up the chapters, each being told alternating between Harvey’s voice, Maggie’s and Austin’s, however Austin’s chapters are in first person and Harvey and Maggie’s are in third person, telling the reader that Austin is the one ultimately bringing us this story. The chapters are short and sweet making it a quicker read and not bogging down the reader with a ton of unnecessary description. When the Maggie and Austin chapters get a bit heavy, Harvey and his nose burst in to lighten things up just a bit. It’s such a delightful story that picks up right where Harvey Holds his Own leaves off.

Tara Anderson’s adorable illustrations of Harvey, Bertie and the mice grace the start of each chapter adding a nice touch to this heartwarming story of community.